My ministry so far has been in congregational settings in rural areas and small towns. I see myself doing diaconal ministry as the one paid minister in a congregation. I feel that I have been able to use my gifts in pastoral care, education and social transformation, in what the church describes as “solo” positions. I go into these positions with the intention to team with the congregation. I was in a team ministry for my first position.

How I explain Diaconal Ministry to others … I tell people I am called to a ministry of education, social transformation and pastoral care. I feel called to walk with folks through the ups and downs of life, encouraging them to be all they can be. I am equipped to be a strong leader when necessary but prefer to lead through a cooperative model that assumes we all have gifts/talents to share. I value the wisdom of feminist and progressive men, past and present, who have tried and/or trying to live out a more just life. This means for me a way of being that recognizes and respects the diversity of people in our community creating opportunities for all people to seek life giving relationships. I try to live this out in my leadership as best I can.

What gives you the most satisfaction, reward, sense of fulfilment from the ministry you do? I get great satisfaction and reward from hearing people’s life stories. Even more so I feel deeply moved when I experience the people I work with, growing in their faith.